Small Business: Avoid errors in drive for expansion

With the economy on track, small firms are eager to grow  but they should be vigilant, warns Sandra OConnell

NOW that the Celtic tiger is back on the prowl, even small businesses are salivating at thoughts of expansion. At RW Pierce, a printing firm that has offices north and south of the border, the mood is decidedly optimistic. Indeed, the family firm has just ploughed €200,000 into the refurbishment of one of its printing presses.

The investment, according to Jim Pierce, managing director, will allow it to cope with the increased demand it is experiencing. It also marks the end of a period of battening down the hatches.

“We didn’t have any lay-offs over the past three years but we did see some natural wastage in terms of staff who weren’t replaced,” he says. “We also introduced a lot more multi-tasking as people were moved around the plant in order to keep fully occupied.”

While veteran managers like Pierce navigate changed economic circumstances with ease, renewed buoyancy in the